PZL-104 Wilga
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PZL-104 Wilga (Golden Oriole
) is a Polish
designed and built short-takeoff-and-landing
(STOL) Civil Aviation utility aircraft manufactured by PZL
"Warszawa-Okęcie";. The Wilga has evolved through many ever-improving versions during its continuous production run from 1962
to 2006
, when EADS announced on their website that they decided to stop the production of this aircraft.
-towing and parachute
training. The prototype of the initial Wilga Mark 1 variant was first flown on April 24 1962 and was engined with an existing Polish 220 hp horizontally-opposed engine the PZL WN-6RB. The Wilga 1 prototype exposed a number of design faults, the most serious of which was excessive weight and a rear view restriction such that the crew could not easily see a towed glider. This resulted in an airframe review that thoroughly redesigned the aircraft, led by Bronisław Żurakowski and Andrzej Frydrychewicz.
They started by retaining major structural elements and successful sub-assemblies from the wings in the initial design. A completely new slimmer, strengthened fuselage was added that also offered an excellent rear view aspect for the crew during glider towing operations. The side doors were re-engineered to open upwards for a better aero observation or parachute jump sorties. The upgraded aircraft could be flown with the doors open if required, and had an air ambulance conversion capability.
The new variant, PZL-104 Wilga Mark 2, flew first on 1 August 1963 followed by a short production run which (later was converted to the Wilga C and Wilga mark 3 configurations). On December 30, 1963 the Wilga C (or Wilga Mark 2 Subvariant C), an export variant for Indonesia
, was flown, powered by an imported North American certified 225 hp horizontally opposed engine the Continental O-470
. The Wilga 2 airframe had proved a successful design, but the WN-6RB engine was not fully developed and so did not enter serial production. As a result, it was decided to use an in production radial engine, the 260 hp Ivchenko AI-14
R; and this led to the PZL-104 Wilga Mark 3 variant, which first flew on 31 December 1965. The new engine was more powerful, but it spoilt the previously clean and aerodynamic fuselage lines, originally designed for a flat engine; nonetheless, the new variant was successful. Due in combination to the power of the engine and the STOL capability of the airframe, an extraordinary high rate of climb - maximum 11 m/s (2,165 fpm) under minimal load was possible. One of a few remaining flaws was a relatively uneconomical engine.
Another variant, the Wilga 32, was an improved small series export variant with a Continental flat engine, produced also in Indonesia as the "Gelatik". After producing 13 Wilga 3s, there were some improvements made, most notably a landing gear
base increased from 2.12 m to 2.83 m to improve stability. An improved model, designated PZL-104 Wilga 35, first flew on 29 June 1967, subsequently entering mass production. The most numerous variant of Wilga 35 was the utility plane Wilga 35A, others were built in small numbers or remained prototypes.
From 1979 the Wilga 80 went into production, an improved model certified for the US market. In the late 1990s the PZL-104MA Wilga 2000 family was developed with Lycoming flat engines and with improved aerodynamics.
Over 1000 Wilgas of all types have been built, including 935 of the Wilga 35 and 80, making the PZL-104 the highest volume production run of any Polish aircraft design. A Canadian aircraft supplier even considered building the Wilga aircraft for the Air Cadet league due to its complete compliance with glider training requirements, and the need for more aircraft, but were unable to get the full support of EADS to further produce the PZL-104MA Wilga 2000.
, with a conventional layout. The main cabin is constructed of duralumin
, riveted and corrugated, increasing the strength and durability of the low mass semi-monocoque
fuselage. The rectangular single-spar wing is fitted with slotted flaps
and anti-stall slats
. The four-seat cabin is fitted with two large side doors, opening upwards to facilitate large load, rapid entry/exit. The main wheels are attached to an articulated, conventional fixed pneumatic shock landing gear
with a heavy duty sprung tail wheel and glider tow hook. The two-bladed composite wooden propeller is strengthened with bonded metal leading edges. The Soviet-built engine rotates in an opposite direction to North American standards. The newest models of Wilgas use full metal propellers and North American Continental O-470 engines with standard rotation. Likewise, presently two fuel tanks (195 L/42.9 Imperial Gal, which is equal to 51.5 US Gal) are located in the wings.
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Wilga 2
Wilga C (2C)
Wilga 3
Wilga 32
Wilga 35
Wilga 40
Wilga 80
Wilga 88
PZL-104M Wilga 2000
Gelatic
where they are the basic aircraft used in flight training.
Polish pilots flying Wilgas have won numerous prizes in the FAI World Rally Flying and Precision Flying Championships, from 1978 to 2006.
In military service they are used as liaison, recovery and light observation platforms.
Estonia
Golden Oriole
The Eurasian Golden Oriole or simply Golden Oriole is the only member of the oriole family of passerine birds breeding in northern hemisphere temperate regions...
) is a Polish
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
designed and built short-takeoff-and-landing
STOL
STOL is an acronym for short take-off and landing, a term used to describe aircraft with very short runway requirements.-Definitions:There is no one accepted definition of STOL and many different definitions have been used by different authorities and nations at various times and for a myriad of...
(STOL) Civil Aviation utility aircraft manufactured by PZL
PZL
PZL was the main Polish aerospace manufacturer of the interwar period, based in Warsaw, functioning in 1928-1939...
"Warszawa-Okęcie";. The Wilga has evolved through many ever-improving versions during its continuous production run from 1962
1962 in aviation
This is a list of aviation-related events from 1962:- Events :* Early 1962 – In Operation High Jump, the United States Navy McDonnell F4H-1 Phantom II fighter sets a number of world climb-to altitude records: 34.523 seconds to 3,000 meters , 48.787 seconds to 6,000 meters , 61.629 seconds to...
to 2006
2006 in aviation
This is a list of aviation-related events from 2006:-January:*January 5 - Independence Air closed operations after declaring bankruptcy.*January 19 - Jet Airways announces its purchase of Air Sahara, creating the largest domestic airline in India.-February:...
, when EADS announced on their website that they decided to stop the production of this aircraft.
Design and development
The PZL-104 was designed for robust use in sports, civil aviation, with a strong emphasis on gliderGlider (sailplane)
A glider or sailplane is a type of glider aircraft used in the sport of gliding. Some gliders, known as motor gliders are used for gliding and soaring as well, but have engines which can, in some cases, be used for take-off or for extending a flight...
-towing and parachute
Parachute
A parachute is a device used to slow the motion of an object through an atmosphere by creating drag, or in the case of ram-air parachutes, aerodynamic lift. Parachutes are usually made out of light, strong cloth, originally silk, now most commonly nylon...
training. The prototype of the initial Wilga Mark 1 variant was first flown on April 24 1962 and was engined with an existing Polish 220 hp horizontally-opposed engine the PZL WN-6RB. The Wilga 1 prototype exposed a number of design faults, the most serious of which was excessive weight and a rear view restriction such that the crew could not easily see a towed glider. This resulted in an airframe review that thoroughly redesigned the aircraft, led by Bronisław Żurakowski and Andrzej Frydrychewicz.
They started by retaining major structural elements and successful sub-assemblies from the wings in the initial design. A completely new slimmer, strengthened fuselage was added that also offered an excellent rear view aspect for the crew during glider towing operations. The side doors were re-engineered to open upwards for a better aero observation or parachute jump sorties. The upgraded aircraft could be flown with the doors open if required, and had an air ambulance conversion capability.
The new variant, PZL-104 Wilga Mark 2, flew first on 1 August 1963 followed by a short production run which (later was converted to the Wilga C and Wilga mark 3 configurations). On December 30, 1963 the Wilga C (or Wilga Mark 2 Subvariant C), an export variant for Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...
, was flown, powered by an imported North American certified 225 hp horizontally opposed engine the Continental O-470
Continental O-470
The Continental O-470 engine is a family of carbureted six-cylinder, horizontally opposed, air-cooled aircraft engines that was developed especially for use in light aircraft by Continental Motors. The family includes the E165, E185 and the E225 engines...
. The Wilga 2 airframe had proved a successful design, but the WN-6RB engine was not fully developed and so did not enter serial production. As a result, it was decided to use an in production radial engine, the 260 hp Ivchenko AI-14
Ivchenko AI-14
The Ivchenko AI-14 is a nine-cylinder, air-cooled, radial piston engine designed in the Soviet Union to power aircraft.-Variants:...
R; and this led to the PZL-104 Wilga Mark 3 variant, which first flew on 31 December 1965. The new engine was more powerful, but it spoilt the previously clean and aerodynamic fuselage lines, originally designed for a flat engine; nonetheless, the new variant was successful. Due in combination to the power of the engine and the STOL capability of the airframe, an extraordinary high rate of climb - maximum 11 m/s (2,165 fpm) under minimal load was possible. One of a few remaining flaws was a relatively uneconomical engine.
Another variant, the Wilga 32, was an improved small series export variant with a Continental flat engine, produced also in Indonesia as the "Gelatik". After producing 13 Wilga 3s, there were some improvements made, most notably a landing gear
Landing Gear
Landing Gear is Devin the Dude's fifth studio album. It was released on October 7, 2008. It was his first studio album since signing with the label Razor & Tie. It features a high-profile guest appearance from Snoop Dogg. As of October 30, 2008, the album has sold 18,906 copies.-Track...
base increased from 2.12 m to 2.83 m to improve stability. An improved model, designated PZL-104 Wilga 35, first flew on 29 June 1967, subsequently entering mass production. The most numerous variant of Wilga 35 was the utility plane Wilga 35A, others were built in small numbers or remained prototypes.
From 1979 the Wilga 80 went into production, an improved model certified for the US market. In the late 1990s the PZL-104MA Wilga 2000 family was developed with Lycoming flat engines and with improved aerodynamics.
Over 1000 Wilgas of all types have been built, including 935 of the Wilga 35 and 80, making the PZL-104 the highest volume production run of any Polish aircraft design. A Canadian aircraft supplier even considered building the Wilga aircraft for the Air Cadet league due to its complete compliance with glider training requirements, and the need for more aircraft, but were unable to get the full support of EADS to further produce the PZL-104MA Wilga 2000.
Description
With an all aluminium construction the Wilga is a high-wing cantilever STOL monoplaneMonoplane
A monoplane is a fixed-wing aircraft with one main set of wing surfaces, in contrast to a biplane or triplane. Since the late 1930s it has been the most common form for a fixed wing aircraft.-Types of monoplane:...
, with a conventional layout. The main cabin is constructed of duralumin
Duralumin
Duralumin is the trade name of one of the earliest types of age-hardenable aluminium alloys. The main alloying constituents are copper, manganese, and magnesium. A commonly used modern equivalent of this alloy type is AA2024, which contains 4.4% copper, 1.5% magnesium, 0.6% manganese and 93.5%...
, riveted and corrugated, increasing the strength and durability of the low mass semi-monocoque
Monocoque
Monocoque is a construction technique that supports structural load by using an object's external skin, as opposed to using an internal frame or truss that is then covered with a non-load-bearing skin or coachwork...
fuselage. The rectangular single-spar wing is fitted with slotted flaps
Flap (aircraft)
Flaps are normally hinged surfaces mounted on the trailing edges of the wings of a fixed-wing aircraft to reduce the speed an aircraft can be safely flown at and to increase the angle of descent for landing without increasing air speed. They shorten takeoff and landing distances as well as...
and anti-stall slats
Leading edge slats
Slats are aerodynamic surfaces on the leading edge of the wings of fixed-wing aircraft which, when deployed, allow the wing to operate at a higher angle of attack. A higher coefficient of lift is produced as a result of angle of attack and speed, so by deploying slats an aircraft can fly at slower...
. The four-seat cabin is fitted with two large side doors, opening upwards to facilitate large load, rapid entry/exit. The main wheels are attached to an articulated, conventional fixed pneumatic shock landing gear
Landing Gear
Landing Gear is Devin the Dude's fifth studio album. It was released on October 7, 2008. It was his first studio album since signing with the label Razor & Tie. It features a high-profile guest appearance from Snoop Dogg. As of October 30, 2008, the album has sold 18,906 copies.-Track...
with a heavy duty sprung tail wheel and glider tow hook. The two-bladed composite wooden propeller is strengthened with bonded metal leading edges. The Soviet-built engine rotates in an opposite direction to North American standards. The newest models of Wilgas use full metal propellers and North American Continental O-470 engines with standard rotation. Likewise, presently two fuel tanks (195 L/42.9 Imperial Gal, which is equal to 51.5 US Gal) are located in the wings.
Variants
- First production variant with WN-6 flat engine (small series - about 10, converted to Wilga C and 3).
- Wilga 3A
- :Aero club aircraft
- Wilga 3S
- :Air ambulance aircraft
Wilga C (2C)
- Wilga 2 with Continental O-470 engine for Indonesia. 16 aircraft built in Poland, some of them assembled in Indonesia.
Wilga 3
- Modified serial variant with AI-14 radial engine, 13 built (including 2 converted Wilga 2s).
Wilga 32
- Wilga 3 with Continental O-470 engine for Indonesia. 6 aircraft built in Poland, 18 in Indonesia under a name Gelatik. Some were fitted as agricultural aircraftAgricultural aircraftAn agricultural aircraft is an aircraft that has been built or converted for agricultural use - usually aerial application of pesticides or fertilizer ; in these roles they are referred to as "crop dusters" or "top dressers"...
.
Wilga 35
- Basic variant with AI-14 engine.
- Wilga 35A
- :Mass-produced basic variant for sports aviation, with glider towing hook, produced from 1968
- Wilga 35H
- :FloatplaneFloatplaneA floatplane is a type of seaplane, with slender pontoons mounted under the fuselage; only the floats of a floatplane normally come into contact with water, with the fuselage remaining above water...
export variant built in cooperation with Canada, flown 30 October 1979 - Wilga 35P
- :Military liaison or passenger variant (without towing hook), flown in 1968
- Wilga 35R
- :Agricultural aircraftAgricultural aircraftAn agricultural aircraft is an aircraft that has been built or converted for agricultural use - usually aerial application of pesticides or fertilizer ; in these roles they are referred to as "crop dusters" or "top dressers"...
of 19781978 in aviationThis is a list of aviation-related events from 1978:-January:* January 1 – British Aircraft Corporation, Hawker Siddeley, and Scottish Aviation are absorbed into British Aerospace...
, with 300 l of chemicals (probably not built in series) - Wilga 35S
- :Air ambulanceAir ambulanceAn air ambulance is an aircraft used for emergency medical assistance in situations where either a traditional ambulance cannot reach the scene easily or quickly enough, or the patient needs to be transported over a distance or terrain that makes air transportation the most practical transport....
of 1968, 1 made
Wilga 40
- Variant with one-piece elevatorsElevator (aircraft)Elevators are flight control surfaces, usually at the rear of an aircraft, which control the aircraft's orientation by changing the pitch of the aircraft, and so also the angle of attack of the wing. In simplified terms, they make the aircraft nose-up or nose-down...
flown in 1969, 2 prototypes only.
Wilga 80
- Wilga 35 modified in accordance with FARFederal Aviation RegulationsThe Federal Aviation Regulations, or FARs, are rules prescribed by the Federal Aviation Administration governing all aviation activities in the United States. The FARs are part of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations...
regulations for US market, of 1979, powered by PZL AI-14RA engine, serial production.- Wilga 80/1400 (80H)
- :Export floatplane variant of 1982 built in cooperation with Canada, powered by PZL AI-14RD (206 kW /280 HP) engine
- Wilga 80/550 Melex
- :Wilga 80 fitted with Continental flat engine in the USA, of 1992 (prototype
Wilga 88
- Development of Wilga in the 1980s, that led to PZL-105 FlamingPZL-105 Flaming|-See also:-References:*Andrzej Glass: Samoloty '94, Grupa IMAGE, Warsaw 1994, ISBN 83-85461-19-1* Lambert, Mark . Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1993-94. Coulsdon, UK: Jane's Data Division, 1993. ISBN 0 7106 1066 1.-External links:*...
.
PZL-104M Wilga 2000
- Variant with Lycoming flat engine, modified wings and improved aerodynamics, produced from 19981998 in aviationThis is a list of aviation-related events from 1998:-Events:* Cirrus Aircraft successfully flight-tests the CAPS ballistic emergency aircraft parachute.* Adam Aircraft Industries founded* Eclipse Aviation founded-January:...
.- PZL-104MW Wilga 2000 Hydro
- :Floatplane variant of Wilga 2000, flown on 19 September 1999
- PZL-104MF Wilga 2000
- :Patrol version of Wilga 2000 for Polish Border Guard
- PZL-104MN Wilga 2000
- :Newer version from 2001
- PZL-104MA Wilga 2000
- :Last variant of Wilga 2000 made in 20052005 in aviationThis is a list of aviation-related events from 2005:-January:*January 18 - The world's largest passenger plane, the Airbus A380, gets unveiled in an elaborate ceremony in France....
, with improved aerodynamics and winglets, powered by Lycoming I0-540Lycoming O-540|-Specifications :-See also:-External links:...
300 hp engine. No longer in production
Gelatic
- license-built version produced in Indonesia
Service
Wilgas are used in civil aviation for touring, observation, glider towing, parachute training, and bush flying. In Poland, they form the backbone contingent of the Polish Aero ClubPolish Aero Club
Aeroklub Polski is the Polish central association of persons practising air sports or recreational flying. It was founded in 1921 and is a member of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. It has a headquarters in Warsaw....
where they are the basic aircraft used in flight training.
Polish pilots flying Wilgas have won numerous prizes in the FAI World Rally Flying and Precision Flying Championships, from 1978 to 2006.
In military service they are used as liaison, recovery and light observation platforms.
Military Operators
Estonia
- Estonian Air ForceEstonian Air ForceThe Estonian Air Force is the name of the unified aviation forces of Estonia.The Õhuvägi is the main arm of the Estonian aviation forces. The average size of the military formation in peacetime is about 210 men. The Estonian Air Force is tasked with dealing with political, military, economical,...
- Former operator.
- Latvian Air ForceLatvian Air ForceLatvian Air Force is the aviation branch of the National Armed Forces. The first Air Force units were established 1992. It has no air combat capability, thus the defense of Latvian air space is maintained by NATO, with rotating detachments of four aircraft to Lithuania at four-monthly intervals...
- Latvian National Guard - Former operator.
- Lithuanian Air Force
- Lithuanian National Defence Volunteer Forces - Ex-DOSAAF aircraft.
- Paraguayan Air Force operated 2 aircraft between 1996 and 2003.
- Polish Air ForcePolish Air ForceThe Polish Air Force is the military Air Force wing of the Polish Armed Forces. Until July 2004 it was officially known as Wojska Lotnicze i Obrony Powietrznej...
operated 17 aircraft between 1973 and 1993. - Polish Border Guard operates some (5 in 2005) PZL-104MF Wilgas 2000 as patrol aircraft.
- Polish NavyPolish NavyThe Marynarka Wojenna Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej - MW RP Polish Navy, is the branch of Republic of Poland Armed Forces responsible for naval operations...
- Former operator.
- DOSAAFDOSAAFDOSAAF was a paramilitary society in the Soviet Union, Voluntary Society for Cooperation with the Army, Aviation, and Fleet . The society was preserved in a number of post-Soviet Republics, e.g., in Russia and Belarus...
Civilian Operators
- Royal Canadian Air CadetsRoyal Canadian Air CadetsRoyal Canadian Air Cadets is a Canadian national youth program for persons aged 12 to 18. It is administered by the Canadian Forces and funded through the Department of National Defence with additional support from the civilian Air Cadet League of Canada...
- 1 (former operator)
- Ridali AirfieldRidali AirfieldRidali Airfield is an airfield in Estonia, about 10 kilometers north from Võru in the vicinity of Ridali - a place known for its beautiful scenery, abundance of lakes, fields and forests, giving glider pilots many visual reference points to navigate by. The airfield was used during World War II,...
- 1, but used to operate at least 3.
- Romanian Airclub - Unknown exact number (around 10). Private owners - At least two
- Turkish Aeronautical AssociationTurkish Aeronautical AssociationTurkish Aeronautical Association is a non-profit organization with an aim of increasing public awareness and participation in aviation related activities and the national body governing air sports in Turkey...
- mainly used for aerotowing of glidersGlidingGliding is a recreational activity and competitive air sport in which pilots fly unpowered aircraft known as gliders or sailplanes using naturally occurring currents of rising air in the atmosphere to remain airborne. The word soaring is also used for the sport.Gliding as a sport began in the 1920s...
- Sky Banners
Accidents and incidents
- On 6 May 2010, a PZL-104 carrying UK Independence Party (UKIP) leader Nigel FarageNigel FarageNigel Paul Farage MEP , a position he previously held from September 2006 to November 2009. He is a current Member of the European Parliament for South East England and co-chairs the Eurosceptic Europe of Freedom and Democracy group....
crashed at Hinton-in-the-Hedges Airfield, NorthamptonshireNorthamptonshireNorthamptonshire is a landlocked county in the English East Midlands, with a population of 629,676 as at the 2001 census. It has boundaries with the ceremonial counties of Warwickshire to the west, Leicestershire and Rutland to the north, Cambridgeshire to the east, Bedfordshire to the south-east,...
.